Holy Trinity Church (Nashville) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Holy Trinity Church
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 615 6th Ave., S., Nashville, Tennessee |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1852 |
| Architect | Frank Wills, Henry C. Dudley |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| Website | http://chtnashville.com/ |
| MPS | Nineteenth Century Churches of South Nashville Thematic Resources |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001234 |
| Added to NRHP | April 14, 1972 |
Holy Trinity Church (also known as Church of the Holy Trinity) is a historic Episcopal church located in Nashville, Tennessee. It's an important part of Nashville's history. The church started in 1849 and has a unique story, especially how it became a central place for the African American community in Nashville.
The church building itself is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. It was built over many years, starting in 1852. Today, Holy Trinity Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its special architecture and history.
Contents
A Church with a Rich History
How Holy Trinity Church Began
The Church of the Holy Trinity started on September 23, 1849. It was first called "St. Paul's Mission." This mission was created by Reverend Charles S. Tomes from Christ Church Episcopal, which was Nashville's first Episcopal church.
The mission began with just twelve members. About fifty people attended services in its first year. Reverend Tomes wanted this new church to be a "free church." This meant it would not charge "pew taxes." Back then, many churches made people pay to sit in certain seats. Tomes believed this was unfair to poorer members.
In 1851, the mission became a full parish. They bought land on what is now Sixth Avenue South. The plan was to build a new church called the "Church of the Holy Trinity." The first stone for the building was laid in May 1852.
Early Years and the Civil War
The church building was designed by architects Frank Wills and Henry C. Dudley from New York City. Construction took a long time. Services started in the unfinished building in 1853, but it wasn't fully finished and dedicated until 1888.
During the American Civil War, the church faced tough times. In 1862, Federal troops took over the building. They used it to store gunpowder and weapons, and as a place for soldiers to stay. The church was badly damaged during this time. For example, the altar was used as a cutting board, and many stained glass windows were broken. After the war, the army had to pay $1,200 for the damage.
After the war, the church began to repair itself. They replaced the organ and fixed some windows. In 1868, a new mission church was opened on Wharf Avenue. This mission was mainly for African Americans. It grew quickly and soon had more members than Holy Trinity.
Becoming an African American Congregation
Even though Holy Trinity had always welcomed everyone, it officially became an African American congregation after 1895. That year, Holy Trinity lost its full parish status. The mission on Wharf Avenue was officially designated as an all-black congregation in 1896. By 1907, this mission joined with Holy Trinity.
Many members of the church during this time were students and teachers. They came from nearby schools like Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, and Tennessee State University. These schools were very important for African American education.
The church building was renovated around 1905 using money from the sale of the Wharf Avenue property. In 1962, Holy Trinity regained its full parish status, meaning it was once again a self-supporting church.
Today, the church continues to be an important part of the community. It has become more diverse, with people from all backgrounds attending services.
The Church's Special Architecture
Holy Trinity Church is built in the Gothic Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s and looks a lot like medieval European churches. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places because of its important architectural design.
The building is made of local limestone. It has a square central tower with battlements, which look like the tops of old castles. This tower also has two sets of pointed arch stained glass windows. In the center of the tower are two large red doors, added in 1952 for the church's 100th birthday.
At the base of the tower is the narthex, which is the entrance area of the church. There's also a tall bell tower on one side. The original plans for the church included a tall, pointed spire on top of the bell tower, but it was never built.
The main part of the church, called the nave, is about 70 feet long and 35 feet wide. Its outside walls have several buttresses, which are supports that stick out. Between these supports are tall, narrow windows called lancet windows. The roof is very steep and has stone crosses at the top.
Inside, the church is just as impressive. The entrance area has large stone floors. The main part of the church, the nave, has an exposed wood ceiling called a hammerbeam roof. This type of roof uses wooden beams that look like they're reaching out, creating a beautiful open space.
At the back of the church is the chancel, where the altar is located. The back wall of the chancel has three pointed arch stained glass windows. The middle window shows Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. The smaller windows next to it show lilies and roses.
The altar itself is made of the same varnished wood as the roof beams. It has a carving of the letters "IHS," which is a symbol for Jesus. It's surrounded by a crown of thorns and topped with the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, which are also symbols for Jesus. This altar was brought to Holy Trinity from another church in New York City around 1935.
